Illinois registered agent
Illinois registered agent requirements
Who must appoint a registered agent in Illinois, which office keeps the record, how to change agents, and what reliable coverage costs.
Direct answer
Does Illinois require a registered agent?
Every corporation, LLC, or other registered entity formed or qualified in Illinois must continuously maintain a registered agent with a physical street address in the state. Illinois Secretary of State, Department of Business Services keeps the agent of record. Cornerstone Licensing provides Illinois coverage for $99 per year with same-day document scanning and forwarding.
The Illinois requirement
Every corporation, LLC, limited partnership, or other registered entity formed or qualified to do business in Illinois must continuously maintain a registered agent with a physical street address in the state. The agent has to be available during business hours to accept service of process, tax notices, and official correspondence. A lapse can mean missed lawsuits, penalties, loss of good standing, or administrative dissolution.
- Cornerstone Licensing service fee
- $99 per year (renews at $149)
The exact statutory reference for the Illinois requirement is available from the filing office via the official source linked above.
Changing your registered agent in Illinois
File a statement of change of registered agent (and registered office, if it moves) with the Illinois Secretary of State, Department of Business Services. Many states also accept the update as part of the annual or biennial report; the change takes effect once the filing is accepted.
Illinois registered agent FAQ
- Does Illinois require a registered agent?
- Yes. Every corporation, LLC, or other registered entity formed or qualified in Illinois must continuously maintain a registered agent with a physical street address in the state. A lapse can lead to penalties, loss of good standing, or administrative dissolution.
- Who keeps the registered agent records in Illinois?
- Illinois Secretary of State, Department of Business Services maintains the registered agent of record for each entity. The exact statutory reference is available from the filing office.
- How do I change my registered agent in Illinois?
- File a statement of change of registered agent (and registered office, if it moves) with the Illinois Secretary of State, Department of Business Services. Many states also accept the update as part of the annual or biennial report; the change takes effect once the filing is accepted.
- What does registered agent service cost in Illinois?
- Cornerstone Licensing provides Illinois registered agent service for $99 per year, with renewals at $149 per year. Same-day document scanning and forwarding is included; there are no per-document charges.
- Can I be my own registered agent in Illinois?
- An individual with a physical street address in the state who is available during business hours can generally serve. The entity itself cannot act as its own registered agent, and a P.O. box does not satisfy the street-address requirement.